You are an important influence on the children in your life. Talking to children can prevent the misuse of opioids or other medicines.
Talk to young children:
- Stress that we should only take medicines that our doctors have said it is okay to take. The wrong medicine or too much of a medicine can make us sick.
- Teach them to ask a parent or guardian before taking any medicine.
Talk to older children:
- Help them understand that pain medicine can be addictive and dangerous if we take too much.
- Help them understand that just because a medicine is a prescription or over-the-counter medicine does not mean it is safe for everyone.
Teach a child how to turn down drugs.
You can help a child learn that it is okay to say no to their friends or others who may offer them drugs. Role play or act out a conversation to help them practice.
